Olympus OM1n

When we look at how quickly digital camera models cycle these days, and look back at “classic” film SLR’s, models that were manufactured for a decade or more seem incredible, but that’s how it was. The Olympus OM-1n was no exception and arrived on the scene in 1979. It was a “new” version of the original OM1, mostly the same camera, but with changes to the winding lever, and a couple of changes to the flash sync system, with an LED indicator in the viewfinder. When I say the “original OM1” lets not forget there was actually an “M1” released in 1972 on which that was based! All of these cameras were designed by the late great Yoshihisa Maitani.

Not unique, but unusual for a 35mm SLR, the shutter speed selector is around the lens mount, and offers speeds from 1000th down to 1 second timed, then bulb. The meter can cope with asa 25 -1600 – but the camera does however take a 625 battery. That’s easy enough to find, but all the new batteries are 1.5 volts and this is fussy enough to require the lower 1.35v or the exposure is off. If you love the camera enough and/or it requires a CLA it’s possible to have a diode fitted into the camera to reduce the voltage down. I rarely shoot this camera so have never bothered. I either use a meter or just sunny 16!

The great attraction to this range of cameras, are the lenses! They are very good and not over priced – even today. I picked up the above 50mm macro, in near perfect condition for a song, although admittedly a while ago. I have a regular 50mm too and that has the brighter aperture of f1.8.

I own too many film cameras – far too many. I have decided to reduce that number significantly. Part of the issue is that they all form little “systems”. So for example I have two EOS bodies and three of four lenses. The second body is in case of breakdown while travelling or if I wish to shoot two film stocks at the same time. The same with Nikon, I have 3 and a half of those! Half, as one is on it’s last legs and I have to twiddle with it to get it to work (F80) and it’s a pain to use the manual lenses on! The Olympus OM1n is a solo body and as such is an obvious choice to cull in any reduction. I thought I’d put one more roll through before it goes, so I dropped in a Gold 200 and took it to the local garden centre when I went for breakfast last week. All of the photo’s here are taken with the 50mm macro.

The trouble is, it’s such a great camera to shoot with, and it’s a classic! This makes me even more reluctant to sell it on. In fact I’m tempted to buy another body!! The issue with having “too many”, is that they don’t get used much each, and mechanical cameras don’t like that situation much. I’ve decided that I’ll keep the “Nikon set up” and the EOS set up, everything else is under consideration. The flowers above are all plastic! The garden centre also has real plants – and a couple of those caught my eye too. Keep or Sell? I’m still deciding!

Chatter: Olympus OM-1n with 50mm f3.5 macro. Kodak Gold 200, lab processed but home scanned.